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This Is How Childcare Costs Differ Around Ireland

One of the biggest concerns parents face in Ireland, is the cost of childcare: Something which appears to be getting more and more expensive across the country. And let’s be honest: If you want efficient childcare for your child, you’ll have to able to pay for it.

But have you ever noticed how childcare costs around Ireland differ?

According to a nationwide survey carried out by Newstalk, the national average monthly cost of a two-year-old attending childcare full-time is €745 – a 5.5% increase compared to a similar survey conducted in 2013.

Big Differences

Newstalk researchers compared 135 crèches and childcare providers throughout the country for the On The Record programme. They found that Dublin had the highest childcare costs which climbed to €1,047 per month on average – an almost 9% increase compared to 2013.

Longford has the lowest average costs with €650 per month which is still an 8% increase since 2013. The difference between the two counties is a significant 61%!

Counties With Highest Costs

With Dublin being the most expensive, Wicklow came in second with €1,006.63 per month – the only other county along with Dublin to break the one thousand barrier. Kildare, Meath and Louth were placed in fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively. In the whole of Ireland, only two counties, Meath and Clare, showed a fall in childcare costs when compared to 2013’s survey results.

Cork and Limerick showed a monthly average increase of 3% and 5% respectively compared to 2013, while those in Galway city pay 15% more for their childcare compared to those living in more rural areas of the county.

Feeling Pressure

According to a press release, Kieran Cuddihy, presenter of Newstalk’s On The Record said that childcare is a “big issue” for their audience:

“Families are under severe pressure to earn sufficient money to pay for childcare while maintaining a work/life balance,” he said. “These figures show it is important that we highlight these challenges and continue to explore issues which directly affect our listeners.”